Record Reviews

RANDY CALIFORNIA & SPIRIT ~ THE EURO-AMERICAN YEARS 1979-1983 ESOTERIC 2734 (Barcode: 5013929473485) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1979 - 1983 Released: 2020 This is an archival / reissue Box Set by American guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist and his legendary group SpiritFind albums by this artist, compiled and mastered by archivist Mike SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, who is in charge of the entire series of Spirit archival releases on the EsotericFind albums on this label label. This Box Set expands the previous 4CD release of this material from 2006 released on ArcadiaFind albums on this label, and adds two additional CDs of previously unreleased live material by Spirit and Randy California BandFind albums by this artist. The Box Set includes six CDs: CD1 presents some early demos and bonus material not included on the original release of the “Euro AmericanFind albums with this title” album from 1982, the original tracks of that album and some post album tracks. CD2 presents tracks that were originally released on the German only LP “Shattered DreamsFind albums with this title” released on LineFind albums on this label Records and a plethora of additional archival tracks. CD3 presents various live appearances by Spirit from 1980 and 1981 in Europe and US. CD4 presents demo and live material by Randy California Band. CD5 presents a previously unreleased live concert recording by Spirit from 1981. CD6 presents a previously unreleased live concerts recording by Randy California Band from their British appearances at Reading and Glastonbury festivals. These recordings feature Randy California on vocals, guitars and occasional keyboards, bassists Steve LoriaFind albums by this artist and Mike SheppherdFind albums by this artist, drummers Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist, Jack WilloughbyFind albums by this artist and Preston HeymanFind albums by this artist and others. It is noteworthy to state that Spirit enjoyed a much wider popularity in Europe, mainly in UK and Germany, during most of their musical career. Overall, this is an incredible piece of American Rock history and a great tribute to one of greatest American Rock bands, which Spirit obviously were, as much as a tribute to the incredible talents of Randy California, who was both an extraordinary guitarist and a superb songwriter, often sadly underappreciated. This is an obvious labor of love and a part of a unique recording legacy document on a scale rarely attempted, which Spirit obviously deserves.

Updated: 01/03/2022Posted: 13/01/2022

CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ SUNRISE & SALVATION: THE MERCURY ERA ANTHOLOGY ESOTERIC 2776 (Barcode: 5013929477681) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1974 - 1986 Released: 2021 This is an archival / reissue Box Set by the legendary American group SpiritFind albums by this artist, which collects the albums originally released on the MercuryFind albums on this label label, compiled and mastered by archivist Mike SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, who is in charge of the entire series of Spirit archival releases on the EsotericFind albums on this label label. This Box Set expands the original releases and adds a plethora of previously unreleased material by the group, including demos, outtakes and live concerts. The music was recorded by various musicians, with Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist and Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist being the only ones present on all the tracks. The Box Set includes eight CDs: CD1 presents nineteen tracks originally released as the 2LP album “Spirit Of ‘76Find albums with this title”. CD2 presents six remaining tracks from the “Spirit Of ‘76” album and fourteen mostly previously unreleased bonus tracks. CD3 presents ten tracks originally released as the album “Son Of SpiritFind albums with this title”, twelve tracks originally released as the album “Farther AlongFind albums with this title” and five bonus tracks, which are outtakes of the second album. CD4 presents twenty-two tracks originally released as the album “Future GamesFind albums with this title” and eleven bonus tracks from various sources. CD5 presents thirteen tracks recorded live originally released as the album “The Thirteenth DreamFind albums with this title” (in UK) or “Spirit Of ‘84Find albums with this title” (in US) and six additional previously unreleased live tracks. CD6 presents twenty-one studio tracks and eight demo recordings, all of which did not materialize on an album release. CD7 presents sixteen tracks recorded live in concert in 1975. CD8 presents twenty-three early demo versions of the material released as “Future Games” and eight tracks recorded live in concert in 1975. Overall, this is an incredible piece of American Rock history and a great tribute to one of greatest American Rock bands, which Spirit obviously were, as much as a tribute to the incredible talents of Randy California, who was both an extraordinary guitarist and a superb songwriter, often sadly underappreciated. This is an obvious labor of love and a part of a unique recording legacy document on a scale rarely attempted, which Spirit obviously deserves.

Updated: 01/03/2022Posted: 01/03/2022

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend